Autistic Child,
Is my child autistic?
Our children are facing a worldwide autism epidemic. Research shows that 1 out of 100 children will be diagnosed with autism. The rate of this mysterious disease is more prevalent than pediatric cancer, pediatric diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
However, what is most frightening is that there is so little we actually know about this illness. Doctors have created theories on how to prevent the onset of autism, but with no solid answer. Although progress is being made, doctors have yet to find a cure.
Research shows that autism crosses racial, cultural and social boundaries. However, it is documented that this disease is more common in boys; with boys being four times more likely to have an autistic diagnosis than girls. Autism affects a child’s speech, communication and social abilities. Children diagnosed with this disease have difficulty with social interaction and symptoms can range from slight to severe.
Some parents have described noticeable social differences in their child from infancy. Others described their child as developing normally and then sliding backwards, almost as if a light-switch or “trigger” caused the onset of symptoms. Researchers have found that a reliable diagnosis can be made by the age of 3, but identification of this disease can be discovered as early as 6 months of age.
Researchers state that a child with autism is known to repeat patterns, routines and perform narrow interests and activities, almost to the point of obsession. Autism can cause a child to possess a small window of favorite things and have little to no interest in any other form of play or activity.
Parents may also feel their child acts withdrawn. They may avoid eye contact, be unresponsive to the sound of their name and/or concentrate intently on one thing for prolonged periods of time. Patients diagnosed with this disease struggle with language, communication and lack the ability to participate in social situations.
Children dealing with autism seem to have trouble and no interest developing relationships with others. They cannot understand social cues like facial expressions or tone of voice. If patients do engage in conversation, they will normally speak of their favorite activities or topics. Children struggling with autism generally exhibit little understanding or concern of whom they are speaking with.
They may also be sensitive to touch or sound and will try to avoid physical contact, like hugging or cuddling. Some children may have difficulty sitting still and will constantly repeat certain movements, for example, rocking or twirling. This behavior may also become abusive, such as head banging or biting.
Parents often have an instinct or gut feeling when something is wrong. A parent is a child’s best advocate. Contact your pediatrician and ask for an autism screening. Early diagnosis is the key to early intervention. Just because doctors do not have a specific cure for this debilitating disease, does not mean that a diagnosis of autism is a hopeless situation for your child. There are many early intervention specialists, neurologists, behavior therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, clinics and schools that specialize in the treatment of children with autism.
For more information on Autism please read
The Essential Guide to Autism:
An e book providing vital information about autism, autistic traits, categories, and treatment methods.